Drivers decry a flooded market and clogged streets

Rallying outside Uber offices, rideshare drivers are sounding the alarm on the harms of over-saturating Seattle streets

SEATTLE, WA (February 27, 2026) — Calling for Uber & Lyft to “Stop Flooding Our Streets,” rideshare drivers organized together in the Drivers Union rallied outside the Uber Engineering offices in downtown Seattle on Wednesday. The action comes as a new report highlights how unfettered onboarding of new drivers by rideshare companies is leading to a significant rise in empty miles, leaving city streets with more congestion — and driver’s with less income.

The new report — Empty Miles: Why Too Many Rideshare Cars Mean More Air Pollution, More Congestion, and Less for Drivers — looks at data from nearly 1 million trips driven by local Uber drivers. Major findings include a massive increase in “deadheading” miles, which are miles driven by Uber drivers without a passenger. Astonishingly, researchers found that the majority of miles driven by Uber drivers are now without a passenger at all. The number of deadheading miles more than doubled between 2019 and 2024, and deadheading miles have increased each of the past three years.

Notably, demand for rideshare services is on the rise in the Seattle area, per Drivers Union. But driver onboarding is outpacing that trip growth, with the number of drivers increasing seven times faster. That’s just making the situation for drivers — and everyone else on the road — much worse. From Drivers Union analysis of the report’s findings: “These unnecessary miles create air pollution and increase congestion, wear and tear to roads and highways, safety concerns for road users, and expenses for drivers.”

Uber and Lyft drivers rallying in front of Uber Engineering Offices in downtown Seattle on February 25. Photo: Drivers Union

Currently, there are no limits on how many drivers Uber & Lyft can add to their roster no matter the demand for rides. Rideshare drivers want to change that.

“Rideshare drivers are now calling for a pause in these platforms adding new drivers to the market,” said Takele Gobena, president of Drivers Union. “The information in this report confirmed what we see every day—a flooded market, clogged streets, and lowered earnings. Given how much this is impacting our whole community, we’re more than ready for fair rules for a balanced market that benefits everyone.”

Drivers’ call for new, fair rules are supported by community organizations like 350 Seattle.

“This is one of those issues where there is clear alignment between what workers need for a fair shot at living wages and what our communities need for a healthy future,” said Jess Wallach, Organizing Director with 350 Seattle. “The data clearly shows how rideshare companies are taking advantage of drivers, while fueling more traffic and pollution. It’s time to start talking about how these billion-dollar companies can do right by their workers, our communities and the climate.”